Poultry Talk Ontario (pto.ca)

I'm looking for answers to a bunch of newbie questions and hoping that someone can point me to some good references that are applicable to Ontario. I've been to 1 poultry show (Meaford) and I think I'd like to take one of my blue Ameraucana pullets next spring.

First thing I would need is a copy of the SOP for Ameraucanas. Where do I get it and how much does it cost?

I also need to know stuff like....do the birds have to be well handled? Can they be banded? Do you use your own crate/cage? What classes can I show in? Do you have to bath them or special prep? OK...so what I really need is a step-by-step Poultry showing for Dummies book! lol!

Help get a newbie started??

Answer for questions 1. You will need to purchase the APA Standard of Perfection. You can not just purchase a section. The whole book is very valuable. It is like a mechanic wanting to fix the car. You don't just get the brake manual. Modern 17 can help you find a book in Ontario.

#2. Super wild is not great. So cage training goes a long way. And they are quick learners. Put the bird into a small kennel. And take out. Let them spend the night. Pull out and put back in....just remember to put head in or out first.

#3 no band
#4 Cages are supplied but you may need to bring your own feed.
#5. Please bath your bird. Lots of you tube video. The bird actually relaxes.

Hope this helps

Classes? This is laid out in the APA SOP book

I bought the SOP book, but I got this general Ameraucana standard I think from one of the Ameraucana websites. It will give you some idea what to look for.

Ameraucana Breed Standard

The Ameraucana breed has a tail and sports muffs and beard in the facial area. These characteristics are true-breeding. Other requirements of both breeds (Araucana and Ameraucana) may be found in the APA's Standard of Perfection and in the American Bantam Association's (ABA) Bantam Standard.

Ameraucana large fowl are in the APA “All Other Standard Breeds” (AOSB) class of chickens. They were admitted to the Standard in 1984. Ameraucana is a general purpose fowl and has a distinctive blue eggshell coloration. Disqualifications include presence of ear tuffs and absence of beard & muffs.

STANDARD WEIGHTS for LARGE FOWL
Cock………………6½ lbs. Hen……………….5½ lbs.
Cockerel………….5½ lbs. Pullet……………..4½ lbs.

AMERAUCANA VARIETIES (Large Fowl & Bantam)
Black, Blue, Blue Wheaten, Brown Red, Buff, Silver, Wheaten & White

AMERAUCANA SHAPE (Large Fowl & Bantam Males)
COMB: Pea.
BEAK: Curved.
FACE: Nearly hidden by muffs.
EYES: Expressive.
WATTLES: Small, preferably absent.
EARLOBES: Small.
MUFFS AND BEARD: Full, well-rounded, medium length.
HEAD: Medium size.
NECK: Well-arched.
HACKLE: Full.
BACK: Medium length.
SADDLE: Medium in length.
TAIL: Well spread, medium length, carried at 45º above horizontal.
WINGS: Fairly large, tips carried above the hock joint.
BREAST: Prominent.
BODY AND STERN: Body of medium length, stern well-tucked up.
LEGS AND TOES: Medium length set apart, four toes

AMERAUCANA SHAPE (Large Fowl & Bantam Females)
COMB: Pea.
BEAK: Curved.
FACE: Nearly hidden by muffs.
EYES: Expressive.
WATTLES: Small, preferably absent.
EARLOBES: Small.
MUFFS AND BEARD: Full, well-rounded, medium length.
HEAD: Medium size.
NECK: Medium length.
HACKLE: Full.
BACK: Medium length.
CUSHION: Moderate.
TAIL: Medium length, well spread, carried at 40º angle above horizontal.
WINGS: Fairly prominent, carried above the hock joint.
BREAST: Full.
BODY AND STERN: Full but trim, fluff well-tucked up.
LEGS AND TOES: Medium length, four toes.